Anyone currently looking for a Ferrari please chime in... | FerrariChat

Anyone currently looking for a Ferrari please chime in...

Discussion in '348/355' started by bcca, Aug 6, 2007.

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  1. bcca

    bcca Rookie

    Aug 6, 2007
    11
    Chicago, IL
    In the market for my first Ferrari. Figuring out which model, year, etc. I can afford. Anyone else searching please chime in with your thoughts on the overall process (how you search is going, how long you've been looking, the good or bad F-cars you've come across, etc.). Thanks.
     
  2. 8 SNAKE

    8 SNAKE F1 Veteran

    Jan 5, 2006
    6,948
    Springfield, MO
    Full Name:
    Mike
  3. JoTeC

    JoTeC Formula Junior

    Jan 9, 2004
    796
    Huntersville, NC
    Full Name:
    Joe Hullett
    348 or 355? Typo ;)
    It's a buyer's market right now on the 348. Decide whether you want a "garage queen" or you actually will drive and enjoy your Ferrari. There are somewhere around 40 348's currently for sale. Watch for cars claiming < 20K mi. Maybe .250 of them are true miles.
     
  4. sherpa23

    sherpa23 F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 28, 2003
    10,008
    Rocky Mountains
    Full Name:
    Bastuna
    How many times are you going to post this?
     
  5. Davidt

    Davidt Formula Junior

    Nov 18, 2003
    713
    Ontario, Canada
    Full Name:
    Dave T.
    Buy a well sorted car. Make sure everything works as it should. Service means a lot. One last think to consider. Regardless of the purchase price, keep $5 to 10K in the bank as a slush fund for your car. You never know with these cars.
     
  6. bcca

    bcca Rookie

    Aug 6, 2007
    11
    Chicago, IL
    My personal apologies to you sherpa23. Do you have any advice on what to looking for during my search. Thank you.
     
  7. bcca

    bcca Rookie

    Aug 6, 2007
    11
    Chicago, IL
    Thanks for the advice. I'll keep this info about the reserve fund since the 348's & 355's do need yearly service work no matter how many miles I put on them I guess.
     
  8. sparta49

    sparta49 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Mar 3, 2001
    7,804
    LA
    Full Name:
    Frank
    Plan on having $5K - $20K over and above the purchase price in the bank for "surprises" Actual dollar figure will vary depending on model and condition purchased
     
  9. bcca

    bcca Rookie

    Aug 6, 2007
    11
    Chicago, IL
    Yes I meant 348.
     
  10. bcca

    bcca Rookie

    Aug 6, 2007
    11
    Chicago, IL
    Thanks.

    Please ignore this post since I was not sure which area would receive the most input. Sorry about the inconvenience to anyone.
     
  11. Ricard

    Ricard Formula Junior

    Jan 23, 2004
    867
    Donington Park
    Full Name:
    Richard C
    Annual service is just fluids and a check over / adjustments really - cheapish, it only gets expensive if you need other bits that come in the little yellow boxes from Maranello - those boxes are SO expensive... :D - my annual this year was $1000 all in including new rear brake flexi pipes, MOT (UK road worthy check) and taxes (17.5%).

    The $10K slush fund is to sort any issues after purchase that may have been missed / covered up.
     
  12. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran
    BANNED

    Jul 2, 2003
    7,782
    Full Name:
    Sparky
    It's pretty hard for us to give any abvice, not knowing what you're budgeting for your purchase.

    Remember to factor in maitenance and repairs, which don't come cheap.
     
  13. ZINGARA 250GTL

    ZINGARA 250GTL F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jun 21, 2002
    17,499
    PA
    Full Name:
    Ken
    Not at all. Prior to 1998, I would worry about it vis-a-vis maintenance costs. After that, they are very relable. Like houses, don't forget maintenance, and don't go up to the absolute limit
     
  14. Townshend

    Townshend F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jul 20, 2005
    6,677
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Walter
    Figure out what model Ferrari you can afford, then go one or two models lower. :)
     
  15. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
    15,810
    Cerritos, CA.
    Full Name:
    Mike
    Not trying to personal but how much is your budget and are you looking for a V8 or V12?
     
  16. bcca

    bcca Rookie

    Aug 6, 2007
    11
    Chicago, IL
    Good point. I'm trying to justify a F355 but the initial prices I've seen so far are $60K - $90K. With keeping some cash on reserve for unexpected expenses as well as yearly maintenance I think it's best to stick with a 348.

    I did a quick search and as of now on Cars.com the range is about $42K - $80K for 348's -- so pretty broad range. I guess I'll just have to start visiting the local ones and find out which have been kept up and are truly worth pursuing.

    If anyone else is looking for a 348 as well let's compare some notes. Or recent buyers please post some tips if you have a moment. Thank you.



    FYI --
    Results: 44 Vehicles
    1992 Ferrari 348 $42,900 55,000 Black Coupe Royal Auto Brokers 866-413-7486 638 mi.
    1990 Ferrari 348 $44,900 33,000 Classified Ad undefined 801 mi.
    1990 Ferrari 348 Grand Touring Targa $44,900 34,000 Red Convertible Classified Ad 214-803-5888 789 mi.
    1990 Ferrari 348 Grand Touring Targa $44,900 34,000 Red Convertible Classified Ad 214-803-5888 789 mi.
    1989 Ferrari 348 GTB $45,900 23,626 Red Coupe Individual Seller 561-758-7281 1141 mi.
    1990 Ferrari 348 $46,900 30,459 Red Coupe Exoticars 866-695-3574 434 mi.
    1991 Ferrari 348 Grand Touring Targa $47,999 29,955 Red Coupe Royal Auto Brokers 866-413-7486 638 mi.
    1990 Ferrari 348 Grand Touring Targa $48,500 42,689 Red Convertible Classified Ad 310-801-2869 1738 mi.
    1990 Ferrari 348 $48,995 27,700 Red Convertible Four M Sales 888-863-6249 474 mi.
    1994 Ferrari 348 Spider $49,900 19,575 Black Convertible Individual Seller 817-905-2675 824 mi.
    1992 Ferrari 348 $49,900 17,000 Red Classified Ad undefined 883 mi.
    1989 Ferrari 348 $49,950 42,950 Red Coupe Flamingo Car Group 877-273-8594 1707 mi.
    1990 Ferrari 348 Grand Touring Targa $49,999 29,330 Red Coupe Individual Seller 805-553-1382 1749 mi.
    1990 Ferrari 348 $50,999 17,005 Yellow Coupe Individual Seller 626-375-8871 1718 mi.
    1991 Ferrari 348 $51,950 45,525 Rosso Corsa Convertible JL Automotive Group 888-323-5301 1018 mi.
    1990 Ferrari 348 Grand Touring Targa $53,900 13,000 Red Coupe Rayco Eurospec Motorcars 866-346-6184 630 mi.
    1991 Ferrari 348 GTB $54,900 23,600 Rosso Corsa Red Coupe Continental Ferrari Maserati 888-459-2707 17 mi.
    1994 Ferrari 348 $54,999 38,370 Red Convertible Royal Auto Brokers 866-413-7486 638 mi.
    1990 Ferrari 348 $55,000 12,000 Silver Coupe P J's Auto Village 877-340-0507 768 mi.
    1992 Ferrari 348 $56,500 11,913 Red Coupe Westfield Ford 866-457-6244 21 mi.
    1990 Ferrari 348 Grand Touring Targa $56,950 16,000 Red Hardtop Exclusive Motors, INC. 888-355-6349 616 mi.
    1994 Ferrari 348 Spider $57,790 39,125 Rosso Corsa Red Convertible Auto Works 877-867-0086 627 mi.
    1994 Ferrari 348 Spider $59,500 21,000 Red Convertible Classified Ad 512-422-6154 992 mi.
    1994 Ferrari 348 Grand Touring Targa $59,500 17,006 Red Coupe Cammisa Automotive Inc. 888-314-3858 1836 mi.
    1991 Ferrari 348 $59,900 29,053 Red / Black Coupe Foreign Cars Italia 888-481-3843 602 mi.
    1995 Ferrari 348 $59,900 18,804 Yellow Coupe Lamborghini Chicago 866-396-9661 17 mi.
    1995 Ferrari 348 $59,995 25,896 Black Convertible Jama Auto House 888-446-5114 1738 mi.
    1989 Ferrari 348 Grand Touring Targa $62,000 38,000 Red Convertible Individual Seller 602-430-6671 1433 mi.
    1994 Ferrari 348 Spider $64,900 27,500 Black Convertible Steve Harris Imports 866-206-7962 1236 mi.
    1991 Ferrari 348 Grand Touring Targa $65,500 21,588 Ferrari Red Convertible Lotus of Austin 877-240-0750 975 mi.
    1995 Ferrari 348 $65,900 27,869 Red Convertible European Motorsports 888-656-7530 863 mi.
    1995 Ferrari 348 $65,988 19,123 Black Coupe Select Imports Virginia Beach.com 866-374-6018 729 mi.
    1992 Ferrari 348 $67,995 15,997 Red Coupe Dougs Lynnwood Mazda 800-935-6297 1710 mi.
    1995 Ferrari 348 $68,900 17,551 Rosso Corsa Red Coupe Lamborghini Chicago 866-396-9661 17 mi.
    1994 Ferrari 348 Spider $69,000 8,115 Red Convertible Cammisa Automotive Inc. 888-314-3858 1836 mi.
    1994 Ferrari 348 $69,890 23,073 Vibrant Rossa C... Coupe Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo 866-413-2365 1725 mi.
    1995 Ferrari 348 $69,900 25,507 Red / Tan Coupe Foreign Cars Italia - Charlotte 888-832-0194 616 mi.
    1993 Ferrari 348 $69,900 24,600 Rosso Corsa Red Coupe McCarty Motors 866-550-7856 591 mi.
    1995 Ferrari 348 Spider $69,900 18,725 Yellow Convertible Ooley & Blackburn Imports 888-453-5978 176 mi.
    1995 Ferrari 348 Spider $69,995 31,000 Black Convertible ACV Wholesale 866-822-6309 1712 mi.
    1994 Ferrari 348 Spider $69,995 20,650 Nero Daytona Convertible Scottsdale Sports & Classic Motorcars 877-242-7475 1421 mi.
    1995 Ferrari 348 Spider $79,900 9,108 Red Convertible Exotic Motorcars 866-274-4934 1644 mi.
    1989 Ferrari 348 - 19,748 Red Stamford Volvo 866-778-7831 754 mi.
    1989 Ferrari 348 - 27,725 Red Dave Walter BMW VW Land Rover 888-301-3933 344 mi.
     
  17. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,596
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    Kind of a broad question...

    I agree with Sparta's advice about the cash reserve.

    It took about 10 months to find the one I ended up buying. It was the best of the ones I saw (I wanted black/black metallic, which limited the field), but I've still probably spent $10K taking it from 'very nice' to concours-ready.

    If you spend some time here, you'll learn the plusses and minuses of the different models. You can start by figuring whether you want a sports car (Boxer/3x8/TR/F355/360/Stradale/F430) or more of a grand tourer (Mondial/456/550/575/599/612). Then look at the resale prices.

    Once you know which one or two models you're considering, look at as many as you can in person. Go to Ferrari events like FCA or FOC meets. That way you start to learn why a 'scruffy' TR, for example, might go for $50K while a really nice one can bring $80K. Also the owners will probably be glad to tell you about why they bought their car, because they probably went through the same process you did.

    EDIT: Just saw your post on the 348s. You can surf the 348/355 forum here a bit, but in general the later 348s are more desired -- more debugged than the early ones (good article in the June issue of Forza magazine) -- so they cost more.

    My original field of Ferraris was 308-328-348-F355. The older ones, and newer ones were beyond my car cash budget at the time and I have a "no borrowing" rule when it comes to weekend toy cars. (And the older ones have gone up even more...) I set aside my budget, read a lot, looked at a lot, talked to Ferrari techs and dealers, and ultimately my clear, money-no-object, hands-down favorite of the group was the 328.

    I'd recommend figuring out what you really want and going for that, rather than feeling compelled to buy the newest model simply because it's new and you have $X to use up. If a 355 is your dream car, save up a bunch of money for servicing and buy one when you're ready. Prices are still settling a bit on those, IMO, but they are beautiful cars and sound amazing.
     
  18. bcca

    bcca Rookie

    Aug 6, 2007
    11
    Chicago, IL
    I just posted as you were posting. I think I've narrowed it down to 348 but reading up on the issues involved with purchasing it even with good service records.
     
  19. speedy_sam

    speedy_sam F1 Veteran

    Jul 13, 2004
    5,559
    TX
    Full Name:
    Sameer
    There are a couple of stand-up fchatters selling great 348s on ferrariads. I would buy a well sorted car from an fchatter or an established dealer over a Joe Nobody or a shady auction car from a small time dealer.

    Best of luck with your search.
     
  20. VisualHomage

    VisualHomage F1 Veteran

    Aug 30, 2006
    5,611
    San Antonio
    focus on a specific model, get to know it as much as possible, and drive as many as possible before purchase. you will know when the times comes which one is the "one."
     
  21. robert biscan

    robert biscan F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 17, 2003
    5,082
    Nashville and Palm b
    Full Name:
    robert s biscan
    Why not wait a little and get a 355. They are just great cars and they sound so good too. I would want another since I enjoyed my '98 so much. It was a great car. The 430 is out of your range but I feel the same about it. I had a convertible and the size is just great. I may yet buy one.
     
  22. nerd

    nerd F1 Rookie

    Oct 12, 2003
    2,535
    Coronado, CA
    Full Name:
    RSK
    Good to hear from an expert.......
     
  23. VisualHomage

    VisualHomage F1 Veteran

    Aug 30, 2006
    5,611
    San Antonio
    doesn't take an expert to impart this advice. just one who has bought a used car before. but thanks for compliment.
     
  24. James in Denver

    James in Denver Formula 3

    May 23, 2006
    2,136
    Centennial Colorado
    Full Name:
    James in Denver
    As someone who JUST BOUGHT MY FIRST EVER F-CAR and went through the same thing, my suggestion is drive the different models and see what you like BEFORE buying one. You would hate to buy a car that did not "suit" you in the long run. Not often, but we have had some FChatters complain of buyers remorse.

    I knew my budget was in the lower range, 3x8 and variants, but I did consider other cars, including the 348 and a BEAUTIFUL 355 that was way out of my budget.

    I wrote a detailed description of my experiences RE: the 308, 328 and 308GT4 on an older post, about 1 year ago.

    First, I would suggest driving as many as possible as previously stated.

    Second, I'd look at your budget, see what you CAN afford reasonably. This includes both the initial cost AND any followup work. Many FCars will be advertised without the needed services. While you can argue one way or another about when to do the majors, you'd better know the risks either way. Depending on the model, this can be from $2000 to $10000.

    Third (as stated here by someone else) buy the BEST model that you can afford of any lineup. Ebay can have some deals, but in general, the consensus here is to shy away from ebay unless you know the owner or know the car (or know someone who knows, such as FChat).

    Fourth, get a PPI on any car you are serious about. I actually did not do a PPI, but someone else who passed on the car did, and I was pretty sure my car was a good example. However, its a risk.

    Fifth, be prepared for surprises. My car had the blinkers go out and is having a bit of a cooling issue. All of the older cars will have SOME kind of issues.

    Sixth, KNOW the differences between an Acura (Toyota, Honda, you choose) and a FERRARI! These are not the same kind of cars as a 2007 model run-around car. My 308 will get out accelerated by many new cars, but then again, its a freaking ferrari, that will put the smile on your face (I had a TURBO DIESEL TRUCK try to race me this weekend.)

    Seventh, do your research. Read the different sections of FChat to get an idea of what the nuances of each car are. And ASK QUESTIONS... many people will tell you to use search, try that of course, but don't feel bad about asking the same thing someone else has, you never know what the responses will be now.

    Lastly, TAKE YOUR TIME. I almost bought a GT4 that would have not been a bad car, but I would have missed the car I have now, which is MUCH MORE of what I wanted. There are PLENTY of cars out there. I missed a few deals, but I'm glad I ended up with the one I have now.

    All that said, its a wonderful experience. I'm a new owner, about 4 weeks now (gosh, its been that long?). The 308 series suited me best, I love the feel of the car. Drive as many as you can, then decide.

    James in Denver
     
  25. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2003
    43,727
    26.806311,-81.755805
    Full Name:
    Dave M.
    This may end up a little choppy, because I merged the 5 different threads in 5 different forums into one, here. Since it looks like a 348-355 is the car of choice, this is more or less where it belongs.

    Ok, back to dispensing advice.

    DM
     

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